Shady Pines Sanctuary

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

I don’t even know where to start… the depths of my heartache knows no bounds. My happy little boy Teddy Bear joined the Angels yesterday. The tears feel like they will never end.

Teddy Bear joined me as an owner surrender for severe neglect. Teddy and Dash- his bonded brother- were severely matted, nails so long they curled under and had to walk on them, and severe dental disease. To this day Teddy holds the record for the most extractions- 16. He is very incontinent and had severe anxiety. He was here for 3 years when diagnosed with CHF 6/6. He was placed on medications and did well for several months. Sadly, last week he worsened and was hospitalized on Thursday. He returned home with increased medications but after a few days that no longer helped. His heart just gave out.

Teddy blossomed into the happiest boy. He always had a smile on his sweet face. He greeted me at the gate every time I came home and then quickly led me to the other room to let all his friends out. He deeply loved his brother Dash. They were always together, cuddling on the couch, barking at the Amazon man, or exploring the yard.

Teddy Bear, you are a ray of sunshine and you have the most handsome smile. I will see your smile in my heart every time I look at your “spot” on the couch. I know your reunion with Cooper and Benny was epic. The 3 amigos reunited. Give them my love sweet boy. I love you endlessly. I will take great care of your brother Dash.

Please keep Dash in your thoughts and prayers as we help him through the tremendous loss of his brother.

Shady Pines Sanctuary

08/09/2026

Words cannot express my heartbreak. My sweetest boy Benny passed away last night. He was the most lovable, happy go lucky boy you could ever meet. He loved his “babies”- little stuffed balls- and would carry them everywhere. He was so gentle. So loving. So amazing.

Benjamin- AKA Benny, Benny boy, Ben 10, Benny Bear- was 17 years old. He had prostate disease and was nearly blind. He became restless, pacing and panting and unable to urinate and was rushed to the urgent care yesterday morning. They emptied his bladder with a catheter- 250ml- and did an ultrasound. No stones were found. We started medication and took him home. By dinnertime he was pacing and panting again. He had only gotten a fee drops out since returning home. I took him to the ER and after testing and a lengthy discussion with the ER vet and his primary vet it was determined nothing more could be done to give a meaningful recovery. We suspect a tumor blockage.

Benny came to me as a stray who had been on the streets for weeks. The moment he arrived I knew he was home. He stole my ❤️ heart.

Benny bear you are loved beyond measure. I will always remember your sweet face and gentle soul. I know you are in heaven, reunited with your best friend Bella. Give her cuddles for me. I wish I could have had more time with you. You are the VERY bestest boy. I love you Benny❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Shady Pines Sanctuary

08/05/2026

My angel on earth got her wings today. Bella- AKA Belly Button, Bellylicious, Bellyrupus- was the most beautiful, happy, and gentle lady. She was my sunshine, no matter how dark the day. She was peace and calm when the world felt on fire. She was my heart. She was pure love. I don’t know how to be without her.

Bella was saved from euthanasia at County. She was blind and needed one eye removed. Thank you HannahPearl Rescue for your help in rescuing my Belly girl and giving her a second chance.
Bella’s health has been declining- congestive heart failure 6/6, hypothyroidism, and sores on her skin that wouldn’t heal. Michele Johnson tried every trick in her magic book to help her until we ran out of options.

Belly Button I would have given up everything I have to get more time with you. No amount of time would have ever been enough. I will miss you every day. You will always be in my heart. I love you darling girl. I hope you are running around with all the Shady Pines alumni, your vision restored and your body healed. Mama loves you.❤️
Shady Pines Sanctuary

07/30/2026

Maggie and Tate were treated to a much needed spa day at Molly & Friends Pet Grooming. Poor Tate has trouble cooling down due to his facial deformity and gets easily overheated. He was shaved down to help keep him cool. Maggie got her hair evened out and is all refreshed. Thank you Diana Greene for all the love and care your staff provides these sweet seniors. You are the best!

07/25/2026

Welcome Maggie!

This darling little lady lost her home and everything she knew when her mama- who loves her dearly- was injured after tripping over Maggie, landing her in the hospital. Her mama is no longer able to care for her safely so in the best interest of both Maggie and her mama, she was surrendered to her vet. From there she found her way to Shady Pines Sanctuary .

Maggie is nearly blind and has Diabetes and Cushings disease, requiring twice daily medications. Maggie is a brave girl and takes her injections without any argument. She loves cuddles, chewies and her little lambchop toy.

It will be quite an adjustment going from being the one and only to living in a community of seniors. She will be loved and supported throughout her new journey.

Special thank you to Dr. Young and the amazing staff at Sun City West Animal Hospital for the love and care they have shown Maggie.

07/19/2026

My sassy little gremlin (AKA grimmie) Tessa passed away in my arms last night. She started having back to back seizures that medication could not stop. Her jaw, legs and back had healed poorly from previous fractures. She walked wonky and lost her balance often but wouldn’t let you help her up- She would get herself back up. And she would tell you whats what about everything!

Although her body was broken, her spirit never was. She ruled the house and not a single dog here questioned that. She never backed down and she brought sass and a smile to every day.

Tessa you were loved beyond words. I will never forget you or your strength. You are the strongest little lady I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and loving. Run free sweet Grimmie, your pain is gone now.